Adam Malekos scored for the second consecutive game to give UAlbany a 2-0 lead before halftime

Recap

The University at Albany men’s soccer team, playing in its second consecutive road game for the first time this season, defeated Harvard 3-1 Sunday night, capping off a short, undefeated road trip. It was the fifth time in eight games so far this season the Great Danes have scored at least three goals.

Though Harvard earned a corner kick in the sixth minute, the game started off evenly, with neither team able to get off a shot until Kaz Boschen’s header attempt in the 17th minute. Shortly after, in the 22nd minute, Afonso Pinheiro connected with Nico Solabarrieta for Solabarrieta’s second goal of the season to put UAlbany up 1-0. The game looked like it would remain 1-0 heading into halftime until Adam Malekos, fresh off his first career goal on Wednesday at Layette, scored for the second consecutive game just 30 seconds before the halftime whistle. He was assisted by fellow newcomer defender Ricardo Iafrate, who earned his first career assist. Malekos and Iafrate are the only two players on the team who have played every minute this season.

Through the first half, UAlbany outshot Harvard 7-3, but was unable to earn a corner kick.

After halftime, Pinheiro and Solabarrieta connected once more, this time in reverse, in the 63rd minute for Pinheiro’s fifth goal of the season, and first since September 5 against Boston University. Harvard managed to get on the board five minutes later with a goal in the 68th minute, drawing the ultimate final score to 3-1 in favor of UAlbany.

The Great Danes held a small advantage for the game in shooting, 11-9, but put seven of their shots on target compared to the Crimson’s three. Harvard did manage to shut UAlbany out of corner kicks, holding a 3-0 advantage for the game, but could not convert any of the chances.

The Great Danes will return home on Saturday, September 30 to begin America East play against preseason conference favorite and 2016 regular season champion UMass Lowell.